As Oil Threatens New Zealand, New Zealanders Say "We Can Do Better" (Video)

The latest talking point emanating from the friends of coal and oil seems to be that pursuing clean energy is based on "ideology", rather than "what works". But that only makes sense if "what works" is defined as decimating marine environments, polluting our rainwater and trashing our tourist industries. Now, as a tanker runs aground near a marine conservation area in New Zealand, and severe weather means risks of a major catastrophe are increasing, it's high time to stand with the New Zealanders who have been saying we can do better, long before this latest tragedy.

"New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world. We have about 85 different seabirds that breed here. It's breeding season now, so there are many birds, such as petrels, that are diving into the water to find food for their chicks. The oil makes it difficult for them to fly and there's a real risk they will ingest the oil when they preen, or pass it into their chicks."

"Should the vessel break up, we risk an international-scale incident. It's a huge amount of oil. I sincerely hope the it doesn't break up as the storm bears down on it."

It's estimated that up to 50 tonnes of oil has already been jettisoned into the sea. Radio New Zealand has reported that four of the 1,300 containers aboard Rena carry ferro-silicon, a hazardous substance which is flammable if it comes into contact with water.